Forest Green Rovers switch to bamboo shin pads

Forest Green Rovers are furthering their claims of being the world’s greenest football club by introducing bamboo shin pads for its players.

The Nailsworth-based side, who play in League Two, have made the switch in order to reduce their reliance on plastic.

The bamboo pads are impact-resistant and are anti-microbial, and club chairman Dale Vince described the material as “perfect” for professional football.

The club, who claim to be the first professional side in the world to introduce bamboo pads, are currently second in the league - a point behind leaders Swindon Town.